Master of Landscape Architecture

Image: MLA Fall Field Trip

The Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) degree program prepares students for creative thinking and collaborative learning leading to professional careers. The MLA is for people seeking a graduate degree in an intensive, internationally-recognized design program. Three unique qualities define the University of Guelph MLA program:

it is at the home of Canada’s first-established professional degree program in landscape architecture
the University of Guelph offers accredited undergraduate and graduate degrees in landscape architecture
it is the only Canadian MLA set in a city of less than 700,000 people

From these historical roots within a smaller city set among rural landscapes and close to metropolitan areas, the MLA program offers diverse opportunities for study, research, creative design, and professional practice. The combination of undergraduate and graduate programs yields a substantial body of engaged students and organizations and provides teaching assistant opportunities for MLA students. Our legacy includes an alumni network that is engaged and involved in our programs and employs our graduates in global design. Our faculty have diverse experiences and perspectives for a broad spectrum of learning. We offer immersive, project-centered learning formats that include peer-to-peer sharing, field study, in-depth topical discussions, seminars, lectures, and landscape design studios. An undergraduate landscape architecture degree is not required to apply for the MLA degree program.

The MLA degree program is structured for students to acquire and master a professional level of design competency. The curriculum has three integrated streams: design theory and practice, landscape analysis and planning, and research inquiry and application. The MLA program leads to a professional degree that meets the educational requirements for entry into professional associations across Canada, North America and abroad.

In the first two years of the MLA program, learning is centered around design studios that apply theoretical knowledge to practical projects ranging in scale from individual sites to entire communities and regions. Field studies and labs, peer-to-peer sharing, construction studios, lectures, online courses, and seminars advance students’ knowledge and capacity and develop professional skills. Students can elect to participate in international exchange programs with partner schools to further develop their areas of interest and expand their professional networks.

The final year of the MLA program is focused on the individual interests of each student and on completion of a master’s thesis. For most of our MLA students, their thesis is the first step toward a specialized area of professional practice or to doctoral studies.

Is Landscape Architecture right for you? Visit the American Society of Landscape Architects webpage "Your Path to Landscape Architecture"

Applying to Master of Landscape Architecture

MLA Program Requirements

MLA First Professional Degree Program

This program is designed for individuals with an honours degree other than the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture. The prescribed studies consist of at least thirteen graduate courses (6.25 credits) and a thesis requiring six semesters of full-time study over three calendar years. Students normally register for Fall and Winter semesters each year, and take a scheduled break during the Spring/Summer semester to gain practical experience.

MLA Second Professional Degree Program

Students who hold a first professional accredited degree (BLA, BSLA) will undertake a program of study that includes both courses and a thesis. If you have recently completed your first professional degree in landscape architecture, you may expect to undertake a program of at least seven graduate courses (3.25 credits) and a thesis.

Applicants who have several years of substantial professional experience subsequent to their first professional degree will be required to undertake a program of at least five graduate courses (2.25 credits) and a thesis.

Please refer to the Graduate Calendar - Landscape Architecture for program overview, requirements and courses.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities for Guelph MLA graduates are enhanced by the program's national and international reputation based on thirty years of experience preparing students for careers in landscape architecture and related fields. Graduates of our MLA program enjoy a broad range of career opportunities, that include:

Private-sector consulting firms
Multi-disciplinary firms
Design-build firms
Specializing in a particular area of practice, such as landscape restoration, golf course and resort design, community design, heritage conservation or computer visualization
Resource-based industries, including forestry and aggregate resource management
National, provincial, regional and municipal agencies where they provide expertise within parks and recreation, community development, transportation, engineering and planning departments
Academic careers after pursuing doctoral studies